Road Home Exteriors Scholarship

“Do What Is Expected, Then Do More” is a mindset I’ve developed through baking, where I’ve learned that meeting expectations is only the starting point. What matters most to me is what happens after that moment, when I choose to improve, refine, and try again instead of settling for “good enough.” One of the clearest examples of this came when I made macarons with my mom. Macarons are known for being difficult, and our first attempt reflected that immediately. They looked far from perfect; uneven, cracked, and honestly not very presentable. By most standards, they still would have been fine to eat, and we could have easily stopped there. That would have been the expected outcome: try a recipe, see what happens, and move on. But I couldn’t leave it at that. Even though they tasted good, I kept thinking about what went wrong and what could be improved. Instead of treating it as a failure, we decided to try again. We paid closer attention to the details we had overlooked the first time, adjusted our technique, and focused on consistency in a way we hadn’t before. This time, the difference was obvious. The macarons came out smooth, delicate, and exactly what we had been aiming for. That experience taught me that “doing what is expected” would have been stopping after the first attempt, accepting that it worked well enough. But “doing more” meant reflecting, learning, and trying again until we reached something better. It wasn’t just about making macarons; it was about realizing that improvement comes from not accepting the first result as the final one. I’ve carried that mindset into everything I do. In baking, I don’t stop at following a recipe correctly; I look for ways to improve texture, balance flavor, and refine presentation. Even when something turns out well, I still think about what I could adjust next time. That constant willingness to refine is what makes baking meaningful to me. More than anything, this mindset has taught me that growth happens in the moments when you choose to go further than what is required. It is easy to stop once something is “good enough,” but I’ve learned that the most rewarding outcomes come from pushing past that point. As I move toward culinary school and eventually opening my own bakery, I know this mindset will continue to guide me. Baking is built on precision, patience, and repetition, and success often comes from the willingness to try again when the first result isn’t perfect. For me, doing more isn’t just something I try to do. It is how I approach learning, creating, and improving every time I step into the kitchen.

To me, “Do What Is Expected, Then Do More” means approaching every responsibility with consistency, integrity, and initiative. It is not just about meeting the minimum requirement; it is about exceeding it in ways that create value for others. I strive to embody this mindset in my academics, my work, and my involvement in my community. Academically, what is expected is maintaining good grades and completing assignments on time. I have maintained a 3.8 GPA, but doing more has meant seeking a deeper understanding rather than simply aiming for high scores. In my African American Studies course, for example, I go beyond required readings to engage in discussions that challenge my perspective and allow me to educate others. In the Spanish Club, I did not just attend meetings; I contributed to planning cultural events and encouraging younger members to stay involved. Doing more meant investing myself fully rather than participating passively. As a lifeguard for my city, the expectation is clear: ensure the safety of patrons. However, I believe doing more means creating an environment where families feel secure and welcome. That includes staying mentally alert even during long shifts, assisting with clean-up without being asked, and mentoring newer guards who may feel unsure in high-pressure situations. There have been moments when quick thinking and calm communication were essential, and in those moments, I understood that exceeding expectations is often about preparedness and attitude. At home, being a supportive daughter and student is expected. Doing more means recognizing the sacrifices my mom has made and striving to honor them through discipline and gratitude. She was the first in her family to attend college, and her example motivates me not only to follow that path but to expand it. I pursue scholarships, seek leadership opportunities, and actively prepare for a future in veterinary medicine because I understand that effort today shapes impact tomorrow. “Doing more” also influences my long-term goals. As a future zoology major and aspiring veterinarian focused on conservation, I do not want to simply earn a degree. I want to contribute to research, advocate for ethical animal welfare, and engage communities in conservation education. Meeting expectations would mean completing my coursework; exceeding them means applying what I learn to create meaningful change. Ultimately, I exemplify this principle by choosing initiative over complacency. Whether in the classroom, at work, or in my community, I aim to approach every role with responsibility and then ask myself how I can contribute further. Doing what is expected builds trust. Doing more builds impact. It is this mindset that continues to shape my character and will guide me throughout college and my career.

I’ve been captivated by the world since I was a child. I was drawn to the news, eager to understand international events and the forces shaping the world. Yet, for years, I struggled to find a place to connect with my peers and to channel my curiosity—until I discovered Model United Nations (MUN) in high school. MUN offered a platform where I could discuss current and past global conflicts, diplomatically create resolutions, and have a community of peers with the same interests. My enthusiasm quickly grew into a desire to lead, so I ran for Deputy Secretary General (Vice-President) in my sophomore year. After presenting my well-delivered speech to the club, I had the honor of being elected. I immediately began working to help elevate our MUN club. My first major initiative was expanding our horizons beyond local competitions. Through extensive research, I discovered the National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) in New York City—a prestigious, international event that simulates the real workings of the UN. At NHSMUN, delegates can compete with other delegates from across the globe. I believed our club was more than prepared for this challenge, so I pitched the idea to our teacher. With the support of the secretariat team, we spent weeks navigating logistics: securing school board approval, organizing travel, and calculating costs. Preparing for NHSMUN was intense. Each member, including myself, had to write a 20-page position paper and compile a research binder representing Malta. I also authored a 25-page background guide on the Cambodian genocide for our club's yearly conference, deepening delegates' understanding of complex international issues. Arriving in New York was exhilarating, but the experience surpassed my expectations. We listened to a motivational speech by former President Joe Biden and, most memorably, the interview our team had with Vanessa Frazier, Malta’s ambassador to the UN and chair of the Security Council from 2023-2024. Our conversation opened my eyes to the misuse of veto power by the Security Council’s permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The continuous misuse of the veto power halts the delivery of humanitarian aid to millions and causes the UN to be less effective. Inspired by this newfound issue, I immediately wanted to write about the misuse of the veto power. So when I returned home, I took on the task of writing a 22-page research paper, determined to raise awareness. I presented my research to my peers, club members, and fellow citizens, hoping to stir more debate about the need for veto reform. I am now occupied with abstracting my paper for publication in local newspapers to inform a broader audience. I know there is an extremely low chance my work gets published, but I believe it’s worth trying no matter what because real change starts with awareness. I’m amazed at how a simple desire to improve my school’s MUN club led me to discover a more profound passion for advocacy and leadership. I’ve learned that meaningful change requires more than hard work; it demands initiative and the courage to pursue ambitious goals. I am proud to have been elected Secretary General (President) of our MUN club for my senior year. I look forward to continuing to push boundaries and inspiring others to face the world’s most pressing challenges by going above and beyond. The Road Home Exteriors Scholarship represents more than financial support—it’s an investment in my commitment to building a better future locally and globally. Just as Road Home Exteriors transforms houses into homes, I strive to create spaces where critical issues are discussed and change will follow.

We all know that one scene in the movies when one of the characters falls and their papers fly around everywhere and everyone stares at them. However, this doesn't just happen in the films it has happened to a bunch of people. It's embarrassing and you can feel alone and ashamed, but then all of a sudden through your teared-up eyes you see someone picking up your papers and handing them to you. That's what's expected from people, but going above and beyond is taking the time to talk to that person, getting to know them, and turn that embarrassing moment into a moment when they meet a new friend. I have been on both sides of the coin and it's embarrassing to fall and everything falls out of your hands. Although, it's also a good feeling helping others feel better about their situation. I believe that communication is an amazing gift and that we should use it to the fullest to help each other out and learn more about one another. In school, we have our classmates and we can form lifelong friendships with them, but what about the teachers? We see them every day, just like our classmates, but most of the time we don't get to know them, their interests, or goals in life. After the final exam in the spring instead of just saying "thank you" to your teacher you could ask them about their summer plans and plan on visiting them next year, and fulfilling your promise. This is not an example of an average high school student but rather an excellent high school student. Engaging with teachers, staff, and classmates will not hurt you it will help you grow your learning and understanding while simultaneously growing your friendships and relationships with others. Learning comes with everyday endeavors it could be a test, a mistake, or experience. However, it shouldn't end because a class ends. There is unlimited knowledge out there and just because we stop taking a class doesn't mean that we can't continue to learn. For instance, I will not be taking Spanish my senior year because of other classes, but I hope to one day be bilingual and so I will continue to go above and beyond to learn this beautiful language so that I can connect with others. I've understood that if you want to achieve something you have to do more and there is no better way to understand that than playing golf. This sport isn't like the other sports out there, there are off days and super amazing days. Golf toys with your mind and you have to be patient and diagnose where it is that you're going wrong and practice to fix it. It can require an obscene amount of golf balls and some instruction but there is no better feeling than your golf ball going straight up in the air and traveling over two football fields away. Nevertheless, you might have to practice more than others to achieve this goal but if it's important to you and you work on it you can achieve it. While going above and beyond can be writing an extra paragraph on an assignment, it can also be getting to know someone and sacrificing your time to help improve on something else. We only get one life and it's important to not just talk to someone but truly get to know them. It's also important to do more than what you thought you could and shock yourself to prove that you can do anything you put your mind to.

Throughout my life, I’ve built a habit of doing what’s expected and then going above and beyond. Whether in the classroom, on the basketball court, or in my leadership roles, I believe that showing up is just the beginning. True character is revealed in how much extra effort you’re willing to give when no one is watching. That mindset has shaped who I am today and who I hope to become in the future. Graduating with honors from Rock Canyon High School is one example of this commitment. I’ve always taken my education seriously, but for me, it wasn’t enough to simply complete assignments and pass exams. I pushed myself to go further, studying late, seeking help when needed, and staying focused even when it was hard. My goal wasn’t just to meet expectations it was to set a higher standard for myself. Earning honors is a result of that effort, and it’s something I take great pride in. That same mentality carried over to my role as a varsity captain on the basketball team. I never saw myself as just another player; I saw myself as someone who could lead by example. I made it my responsibility to bring energy to every practice, hold my teammates accountable, and stay late when others had already gone home. Being captain wasn’t just about wearing the title it was about doing the hard work behind the scenes and putting the team first. Off the court, I’ve served as president of the Male Student Athletic Leadership Club, where I’ve worked to bring athletes together as role models in our school community. Whether organizing service events or speaking to younger students, I’ve learned that leadership is more about action than words. It’s about doing more than what’s asked, and inspiring others to do the same. Looking ahead, I’m determined to become a firefighter someone who steps into danger when others are running away. Firefighting is a career that demands courage, discipline, and a willingness to sacrifice. More importantly, it’s a profession built on service: helping people on their worst days and offering strength when it’s needed most. It’s not a job where doing the minimum is enough. It requires you to give everything you have, day after day. The foundation I’ve built at Rock Canyon through hard work, leadership, and going the extra mile has prepared me for the path ahead. I know that becoming a firefighter won’t be easy, but I’m ready. Because for me, doing what’s expected has never been the goal. Going above and beyond is the only way I know how to live.

Most people think doing what’s expected is enough. But I’ve learned that greatness doesn’t come from checking boxes, it comes from rising above them, especially when life tries to keep you down. When I tore my ACL playing lacrosse, I lost more than just a season—I lost what I thought was my identity. I could’ve stopped at physical therapy, followed the recovery plan, and waited to be cleared. That would’ve been expected. But I chose something different. I showed up to practices I couldn’t play in, cheered for teammates who had the spot I used to fill, and studied the game like a coach, not just a player. I didn't want to come back the same, I wanted to come back better. Stronger. Wiser. A more complete athlete and person. Lacrosse taught me discipline, but that injury taught me character. It taught me that doing more means showing up with heart when no one’s clapping for you. And that lesson follows me everywhere. When I babysit, I don’t just make sure the kids are safe—I make sure they feel loved. I clean up toys I didn’t take out, leave handwritten notes for the parents, and make every moment matter. Because excellence doesn’t live in the big gestures, it hides in the small, consistent choices to care more than you’re asked to. At church, I’m not just a face in the crowd. I serve in the kids’ ministry, clean up quietly after events, and try to be someone who lives out what they believe, even when it’s inconvenient. Even when no one sees. Faith, to me, means giving more than you take, loving when it’s hard, and stepping up when it’s not your job. “Do what is expected, then do more” isn’t just a phrase or quote to me it’s a compass, a lifestyle. It’s how I turn setbacks into comebacks. It’s how I lead when I’m not in the spotlight. It’s how I love people deeply, even in everyday moments. And it’s why I know I’ll carry this mindset far beyond a scholarship, into the way I live, learn, and lead for the rest of my life. This scholarship wouldn’t just support my education, it would fuel my mission to keep doing more than what’s asked of me. It would recognize not just what I’ve done, but who I’m becoming. I’m not defined by expectations, I’m defined by how far I choose to go beyond them.